Dan W. Artibee

Daniel William Artibee of Munising, Michigan, passed away on December 22, 2022 after a heroic battle with cancer at the age of 80 under the compassionate care and supervision of his wife as well as North Woods Hospice, peacefully in their home.  Dan was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula to Louis “Luke” and Bernice (Miller) Artibee on July 20, 1942.  He was an avid sports fan and enthusiast, excelling himself in basketball and football; his athleticism earned him the nickname the “Mighty Might” at his alma mater, Wm. G. Mather High School in Munising.

He and Frances “Fran” Kennedy married after graduating high school, in June 1962. Shortly thereafter, they had two daughters, Cindy Lee and Danette Sue, and also raised Fran’s youngest brother Dennis Kennedy, in the suburbs of Chicago where they settled when Dan found work as a computer programmer for Plywood Minnesota.  Dan then accepted a position as the Senior Computer Analyst for the City of Chicago where he was employed for Mayor Richard J. Daley, and eventually as a Computer Consultant conducting training seminars across the U.S., Europe, and Australia for a private consulting firm.

The family moved to Rhinelander, in northern Wisconsin, when the girls entered their high school years where they owned and operated a Bridal and Tuxedo Boutique in downtown Rhinelander. After the girls graduated and after years of moving to various states (Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida), Dan and Fran eventually returned to Munising.

Dan married Gloria (Albrecht) Harrington of Wisconsin, in 2005; they resided in Forest Lake, MI. Both had a tremendous love for music and local artists and enjoyed time with family and friends.  Dan continued to enjoy watching football and spending time at home.  Gloria provided the much-needed devotion and special care that Dan required during his battles with various cancers since 2019.

Dan is survived by his faithful and loving wife – Gloria Artibee of Munising; daughters – Cindy (Jim) Zelenka of Wausau, WI and Danette (Tim) Bernklau of Suamico, WI; brother-in-law who was like his own son – Denny Kennedy; step-children – Amy LaRose of Port St. Lucie, FL, Polly Hewitt of Stevens Point, WI, and Ben Hewitt of Stevens Point, WI; grandchildren – Krista, Serina, Brad, Adam, Miles, Sean, and Adrianna; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Luke Artibee and Bernice Carr, son-in-law Don LaRose, sisters Regina Zoromski and Molly Hunting; nephew Bradley Hunting; and numerous family members and friends, including “One-Eyed Clyde”, his special little buddy and four-legged (but one-eyed) side-kick dog.

Visiting time with family and friends will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Dan’s memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. with family friend Larry Baur officiating.  Graveside and celebration of life services at will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising with a clergyman from Sacred Heart Church in the summer of 2023.  Those times will be announced when they are confirmed.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the medical community, especially the doctors, nursing and home health care staff during his health battles, and special gratitude to Harold Nelson, a great friend and neighbor who was always willing to lend a helping hand with endless home and yard chores!